Horse Kissing Spines: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Welfare

Overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines) cause significant back pain in horses. Modern surgical and non-surgical treatments have transformed welfare outcomes for affected horses.

Key Facts

Kissing spines occur when adjacent vertebral processes touch or overlap in the thoracic spine
They are found in up to 38% of racehorses and a significant proportion of sport horses
Not all horses with radiographic kissing spines have associated pain or lameness
Clinical kissing spines cause back pain, poor performance, and behavioral changes
Interspinous ligament desmotomy surgery has excellent outcomes when appropriate cases are selected

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spines cause chronic back pain that significantly affects horse welfare and performance. Behavioral signs including reluctance to be girthed, resistance under saddle, cold-backed behavior, and deteriorating performance are often the first indicators, but these behavioral expressions of pain may be misinterpreted as willfulness requiring more training pressure rather than medical investigation. Appropriate diagnosis through clinical examination, nerve blocks, and imaging allows targeted treatment planning. Horses treated appropriately, including via surgery when indicated, typically show dramatic welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary investigation for any horse showing consistent back sensitivity or behavioral changes under saddle
Ensure saddle fit is assessed by a qualified saddle fitter as poorly fitted saddles contribute to back pain
Follow treatment protocols carefully including rest and graduated return to work after surgery
Work with an equine physiotherapist to support rehabilitation and core muscle development
Avoid riding horses with suspected back pain while investigation is pending
Consider back pain as a welfare issue requiring investigation rather than a training problem